A criterion-based interview is a form of assessment where, as a teacher, you evaluate specific skills or knowledge in the student, using structured questions and based on certain criteria. This is in contrast to a traditional interview where you give an assessment based on general impressions. The criterion-based interview can be an effective form of assessment because it helps you measure your students’ performance accurately, and this in turn helps them develop. It can also be a good preparation for future professional situations where criteria-based interviews are also frequent.
As an assessment form, you can use a criterion-based interview, for example, by going through the following steps:
- Define specific learning objectives – what learning objectives do you want to achieve with the interview? Define them in advance. For example, the ability to solve a problem, communication skills or specific knowledge.
- Draw up criteria – based on the learning objectives, draw up criteria you will use to assess the student. For example, the ability to gather relevant information, present a solution or ask the right questions.
- Prepare the interview questions – based on the established criteria, prepare questions that will give you as a teacher, and the student, insight into how well they meet the criteria.
- Conduct the interview – during the interview, students respond to your questions and you assess them based on the criteria.
- Assess and give feedback – after the interview, you assess the student based on the criteria and give feedback.
Some examples:
- A psychology student is interviewed on their knowledge of the different diagnostic criteria for mental disorders. The student is assessed on their ability to name and describe the criteria and how they are used in diagnostics.
- A computer science student is interviewed on his or her ability to solve a software problem. The student is assessed on their ability to analyse the problem, identify the cause and present a solution.
- A law student is interviewed about a legal dispute, the student is assessed on their ability to analyse the facts, apply the law and draw a legal conclusion.
Want to know more?
- Competency-based interview – Radboud Universiteit
- Criteriumgericht interview – Artevelde Hogeschool
See also: Oral exam
See also: FeedbackFruits Skill Review
VU Taxonomy?
Programme specific skills in applying knowledge and understandingInterpersonal skills
Oral communication
Own reflexive attitude and responsibility in society
What total group size?
More than three hundredMore than one hundred
Between fifty and one hundred
Up to fifty
Up to twenty five